Today we’d like to introduce you to Parry Ray

Hi Parry, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

This is such a massive question and I am really thankful to be asked.

I loved music and performing from a really early age so it seemed obvious to me that that was what I would do as a career.

I started learning the piano at 4, singing at 6 or 7 and the guitar at 10. It was around ages 7-10 that I started writing songs, it was really organic for me and wasn’t something I was taught in a structured way till much later on. I started performing in a number of bands around 14.

I had planned to go to music college after school, but sadly my mother vetoed that. Coming from a South Asian family, she did not approve of my career choice all…But that’s a totally different story!

However, life has taught me what is meant for you doesn’t pass you by.

I have been lucky to have worked with some incredible world renowned musicians, played in some wonderful venues in London and recorded a number of jazz/pop albums, all of which serve as snapshots along the road of my career.

Really excitingly, I am in the midst of writing a new original album, that I started in Nashville a few months ago. There is something incredibly special about writing there and the songwriters I met, I know I’m not the only artist who feels that way about Nashville!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

As I mentioned my biggest stumbling block has been my mother and also my need when I was a teenager and in my early 20s to make her happy. A lot of us have that people pleasing trait, which in itself I feel can be a lovely quality – it’s nice to make people happy after all – but not at the expense of yourself and unfortunately I ended up self sabotaging a lot in years gone by.

Sometimes, we are our biggest stumbling block and we have to get out of our own way.

I was definitely expected though to have a more traditional life, I was married in my early 20s and had my kids soon after and got a job in publishing. Though what’s interesting is wherever I went I fell into situations where I was asked to sing in a covers band or jam with people. Repeatedly I was presented with little opportunities, leading to the pathway of a professional singer/songwriter.

Recently, my son asked me if I resented him and his sister as I also made the choice to raise them full time so had to say no to projects and gigs especially overseas when they were young. I said absolutely not.

I have a strong belief that life unfolds exactly as it is meant to. Yes, there have been hiatuses but each project I immerse myself in feels like a new beginning, which is inspiring and a lot of fun.

It’s great writing this because in some ways this year is very similar to when I started out. I am saying yes to more collaborations and opportunities that feel good; and it’s opening up avenues of writing for other people which I haven’t done in a long time, but which I am really enjoying.

I also feel challenges as testing as they can be, are good. They remind us of how important things are to us, and how much you want to do what you do and be who you are.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I’m a singer and songwriter, but I also write articles about emotion, life experience and touch on philosophy.

I guess my strengths musically lie in writing lyrics and toplines and my genre is jazz, and jazz/pop crossover.

I’m known for singing ballads. I adore them, the slower the better and I suppose I am most proud of getting feedback from live audiences and people who listen to my music. When they tell me it moved them or made them cry, it makes me so happy! I know this might sound twisted but I do what I do to connect with people and communicate emotion.

That’s really at the forefront of everything I create. Whether I am singing, writing or talking – every creative offering is about that. I believe in whichever way my words are being heard – my goal is for them to resonate, so people feel seen, heard and understood.

I like to explore emotional expression in many forms. I know it sounds simple, but I truly believe that’s why we are here – for connection and understanding.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?

I don’t know if I am a risk taker per se, maybe sometimes. I do feel as I have mentioned once or twice that saying yes to opportunity can be really powerful and positive.

My one proviso would be we have to tune into our gut instincts and intuition. There is no point blindly taking risks. I believe, if your whole being is shouting no, then it’s a no.

We get a lot of feedback internally so I feel it is important to check in with our “inner sat nav” it gives us a lot of information, and our hearts.

I do feel if you are brave and well intentioned the world often rewards you – not sure if that sounds silly, but I do believe it.

Contact Info:

• Website: Website: https://www.parryrayinharmony.com
• Instagram: Instagram: @parryrayinharmony
• Facebook: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParryRayOfficial/
• Youtube: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57FuqQVxMYnrxlwFYzdajQ

Image Credits

Leah Whitty